Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Environmental Testing

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Environmental Test reporting to the Senior Manager of Environmental Test, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. As an Environmental Test Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of advanced avionics systems for our portfolio of space products, including liquid rocket engines and a commercial space station. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams of design/test engineers and technicians to ensure the successful manufacturing, assembly, and integration of avionics components and wire harnesses, contributing to the overall success of the business.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach, CA location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with design teams to provide input on the manufacturability and assembly processes of avionics components and wire harnesses
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and onboard equipment for avionics systems, considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of avionics systems 
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality avionics components, reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of avionics systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards
• Participate in design reviews, providing valuable insights to improve the manufacturability and reliability of avionics components
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes for avionics manufacturing
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in avionics manufacturing to drive innovation within the company

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 5 + years of experience  in manufacturing engineering, preferably in the aerospace or avionics industry
• 3+ years of experience in design and manufacturing of vibration test fixtures
• 3+ years of experience in design and manufacturing of thermal heat sinks and thermal vacuum fixtures
• Understanding of SMC-S-016

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strong understanding of avionics systems, electronics manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques
• Proficiency in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs and creating manufacturing documentation
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations relevant to avionics manufacturing, such as IPC standards
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross- functional teams
• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting avionics systems is desirable 
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range: California

$160,000—$230,000 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.